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The hot new diet substance isn't hot at all.
(Picture from Ajinomoto Co.)
Dihydrocapsiate is related to capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their heat. That is, it's a capsinoid. But the chemical is actually too big to register as hot on our tongues, a UCLA team told the Experimental Biology conference in Anaheim this week.
Despite this it can speed up metabolism, like capsaicin, and cause the body to burn body fat in preference to other energy stores.
In the UCLA study, 33 dieters were given dihydrocapsiate or a placebo. (The 9 mg. dose was equivalent to a sprinkle of salt on your salad.) The supplement increased fat oxidation and energy output after exercise, although since the study only went four weeks there was no significant difference in weight loss.
This is similar to the results of another study, conducted last year by the Pennington Biochemical Research Center in Baton Rouge, assisted by the Japanese spice company Ajinomoto (best known for monosodium glutamate dashis).
In this study 86 men were given either capsules containing dihydrocapsiate or a placebo for a month, then had their resting energy output measured.
In the Baton Rouge study, respiratory quotients indicated those getting the highest dose of dihydrocapsiate were burning twice the fat as those getting the placebo. They could have been losing as much as a pound a month more than the controls, according to the study.
Needless to say, after the UCLA results were announced the blogosphere quickly filled with pictures of hot peppers, spurred in part by a separate study from the University of Texas and delivered at the same Anaheim conference, which used capsaicin to study how the body processes pain.
But instead of following the pepper, I focused my research on the money.
It turns out one pepper high in dihydrocapsiate is the CH-19 sweet pepper, developed by a scientist at Kyoto University and now bred in Thailand for (you guessed it) Ajinomoto, which is selling the result in capsule form under the name Capsiate Natura. The company began marketing the capsules in the U.S. in 2007. (The extract is also produced in China.)
Ajinomoto is currently selling Capsiate Natura through healthcare professionals in the New York tri-state area, with plans for a nationwide roll-out, according to the company's Web site.
Something tells me they may have a winner there.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com


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"By 2040 most coffees-to-go will come in a reusable cup, or a cup we bring ourselves," said European Commission executive VP Frans Timmermans.
The European Commission has proposed revised EU rules to reduce packaging, make it reusable and boost recycling.
As part of the proposal, one of the key targets is to make packaging fully recyclable by 2030, the EU executive said in a statement.
The Commission proposes banning certain types of single-use packaging for food and beverages in restaurants and fresh fruits and vegetables as well as banning miniature packing for shampoo or in hotels.
The goal is to reduce packaging waste by 15% by 2040 per EU country based on population, compared to 2018.
"The way goods are packaged can and should be done a lot better," said the European Commission's executive vice president Frans Timmermans at a press conference.
"I think everyone has experienced it: you order something online and it comes in a massive box that's half empty or contains double layers to make the product look larger than it is.
"Or you go to a café and instead of being served on regular plates, you get food in single-use containers so you leave behind a mountain of waste. Such overpackaging is a nuisance to us and increasingly damaging to our environment," he said.
Among the proposed measures are the clear labelling of reusable packaging, banning certain packaging, mandatory return systems for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, and new mandatory rates of recycled content in new plastic packaging.
"By 2040 most coffees-to-go will come in a reusable cup, or a cup we bring ourselves," said Timmermans.
"For the first time, we are establishing targets for packaging waste reduction for member states, and mandatory reuse targets for selected packaging groups and for economic operators," said Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries, at a press conference.
Each European generates on average 180 kilogrammes of packaging waste per year, the European Commission said.
The Commission estimated that without new rules, there would be a 19% increase in packaging waste in the EU by 2030.
Martin Porter, the executive chair of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership's Brussels office, said that the package was a positive step towards "addressing the issues of material use."
The revised packaging rules are "an ambitious approach, setting clear targets to push for industrial change."
But he said it could be improved by ensuring the legislation doesn't have unintended negative consequences.
"That means it must avoid incentivising recycling for the sake of meeting a target, rather than because it is truly the most environmentally friendly option," Porter said.
The rules are part of the EU's Circular Economy Package which aims to "reduce pressure on natural resources" and create more sustainable growth.

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Authorities at the Arthur Road jail here have kept 'barrack no. 12' ready if fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is extradited from the UK in connection with the $2 billion PNB fraud and money laundering case, a home department official said on Tuesday.
Barrack No 12 is being kept ready, Centre says that there is enough light, ventilation, water and medical facilities in the prison.
Sources said reimport of jewellery, diamonds for overseas exhibition and export promotion tours are popular mode, so sudden imposition of IGST on them has critically affected the trade.
The diamond firms who participated in the event said the demand for loose diamonds and jewellery was subdued.
Last year, soon after the scam came to light, Firestar Diamond had filed for bankruptcy in New York.
In the re-auction, the probe agency sold the cars for a total of Rs 2.30 crore.The Rollys Royce has fetched Rs 1.7 crore and the Porsche Rs 60 lakh.
The law enforcement agency, in its affidavit submitted before a division bench headed by Justice I A Mahanty, said that the submission made by Choksi to the court on his medical conditions appear to be "facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings."
Choksi had then filed an application before the lower court, seeking for the ED's plea to be dismissed.
New marketing campaigns with the new brand ambassadors will start hitting the respective markets in June and July, and target all major local festivals.
According to data from the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), exports stood at USD 32.7 billion in 2017-18.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the hearing for his bail petition will take place on June 11.
The domestic business continues to remain profitable, though with slightly reduced margins.
The govt of India’s barrister told a London court it needs 8 weeks to produce the “opening note” in the Nirav Modi case, which could delay his extradition trial to February 2020. The chief magistrate insisted the “note” needed to be “provided in six weeks” and set July 29 for Nirav’s next case management hearing.
The judge also asked the Indian government to provide within 14 days the information on which prison he will be held at.
Nirav Modi is set to be produced from custody before Judge Arbuthnot for the first case management hearing in the case, during which a broad timeline is expected for his extradition trial.
Men’s jewellery, which forms 40% of the total sale of PGI’s members, has been growing at 20%-25%. Suvankar Sen, executive director, SENCO Gold & Diamonds, said .
Shah has experience in catering to jewellery retailers globally.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in its order on Monday appointed retired Karnataka high court judge A V Chandrashekhar as mediator. All the disputes between the parties is being referred to the Bangalore Mediation Centre.
The export division's turnover stood at Rs 2,690.37 crore as on March 31, 2018, which is 28.35 per cent of PCJL's turnover.
Nirav Modi denied bail for third time after judge hears he ‘lured witnesses to Egypt’ to prevent testimony
Clare Montgomery QC, representing Nirav, upped his bail security offer to £2 million (about Rs 18 crore) and offered for him to be subjected to a 24-hour curfew at a special bail hearing at Westminster magistrates' court.


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ByEllen Kershner|March 29, 2023 1:58 pm EST
Remember when you used to see so many smiling faces in grocery stores? Thanks to inflation, it's rare to see happy shoppers browsing the produce and meat aisles these days. Food prices constantly fluctuate because of supply and demand, but over the past few years, some have increased exponentially while others remain more affordable. With market conditions constantly changing, who knows what the future holds? One way to combat these crazy prices is to stock up on staples that won't break the bank.
Time recently reported on price increases for certain foods that have not proved to be inflation-resistant, and the data is sobering. Eggs had the highest price jump in a one-year period from $1.79 a dozen to $4.25, but that also reflects supply chain issues from the avian flu outbreak. Butter rose from $3.47 to $4.25 a pound during this same time. Other staples hit hard by inflation include potato chips, milk, and ground beef. Anyone who shops for food has also seen much higher prices for cereal, oils, and bread.
Avian flu also drove up the price of chicken, but now that the issue is under control, egg and chicken prices might level out. These wildly fluctuating prices can give anyone a headache and make it hard to plan reasonably-priced meals. Fortunately, some foods are more resistant to inflation, and you can stock up on them. In many cases, they can be frozen. Use the extra money to buy a second freezer,and you'll be ready when prices shoot up again.
1. Dry beans
Beans are packed with nutrition and sold in two forms on grocery shelves — dried in bags and cooked in cans. They are a rich source of fiber, which fills up the belly. A half-cup serving averages seven grams. Beans are also high in protein and folate and are incredibly versatile. Dry beans are the cheaper choice because they are not processed like canned ones. You have to rinse, soak, and cook them instead of popping open a can and pouring them into a pot.
Dry beans are not a hugely popular item at grocery stores because of the long preparation times, and consequently, they are not a highly valuable commodity. YCHARTS shows that the stock market value for U.S. Beans, Dry Edible dropped from 51.50 on May 31, 2022, to 39.60 on January 31, 2023. Those numbers represent hundredweights, a measurement used with commodities. In layperson's terms, one hundredweight equals 100 pounds. The price of dried beans decreased by 8.33 percent during this period.
These are the perfect food to stock up on because the shelf life is longer than most other non-perishable foods. They easily last up to a year in cool, dry places like pantries. Dried beans can last even longer, though the nutritional value will be gone in about five years.
2. Canned beans
Baked beans and their canned cousins can be found in countless kitchens and are camping trip go-tos. They cost more than dried beans, but when inflation is at its worst, you'll see grocery carts packed with them. However, according to The Bean Institute, a half cup of canned beans can have an average of 200 grams of sodium, and the FDA advises adults to limit the intake to less than 2,300 mg. You can reduce that amount by up to 40 percent by rinsing the beans under cold water. You probably won't notice the difference.
The price of canned beans has risen, but it's still possible to grab cans for less than a buck apiece. Don't Waste the Crumbs claims that a 15.25-ounce can of Walmart Great Value black beans cost $0.63 in 2020, which was an undeniable bargain. In March of 2023, we found them for $0.78 on the website. That's almost a 24 percent increase, but since the pre-inflation price was that low, people won't complain too much about paying another 15 cents. And as long as the cans aren't rusted, dented, or otherwise damaged, they're shelf-stable and will be edible for years.
Fresh raw potatoes can last for a few months before going bad but often jump the shark much sooner than that. Still, they are relatively inflation-resistant, so you can stock up, cook them, and put them in the freezer. Potatoes are a healthy choice (unless they're drowned in oil or butter) because one 5.3-ounce serving contains 2 grams of fiber, only 1 gram of sugar, no fat, and high amounts of vitamin C and potassium (via Potatoes USA).
Yahoo!Financeclaims that the price of potatoes increased by 3.4 percent from 2021 to 2022, and like beans, the cost before the recent inflation was low to begin with. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis tracks the average per-pound price of white potatoes and confirms a moderate price increase of 1.000 in October of 2022 to 1.026 in February 2023. In February 2020, it was at 0.808. The prices of frozen French fries and hash browns still haven't come down that much, so in the meantime, buy fresh potatoes in bulk and make your own. They're healthier for you, anyway.
The words freeze and cheese rhyme and are further compatible because you can do the first to the second. We're not talking about gourmet cheeses like Brie,Gruyere, and Stilton. Prices for luxury items aren't inflation-resistant. Trading Economics posts that the price of cheese has decreased in 2023, dropping by 1.02 percent. It was at a high point of 2.58 per pound in July 2020 and decreased to 2.4 by May 2022. On March 27, 2023, the per-pound price was 2.039.
Cheese Reportershows how the average price of a 40-pound block of cheddar has changed over time. You needn't rush out to buy one unless you own a restaurant or have to feed 100 people, but this serves as a good reference since the savings get passed down to consumers. It was 2.71 in October 2020 and 1.889 in February 2023. Fortunately, cheddar freezeswell, and so do other firm cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan. You can freeze blocks, pieces, and bags of shredded cheese for up to three months, but if you take them out of the packaging, seal them in freezer bags and press out all the air before closing.
5. White flour
White flour is another versatile pantry staple that's weathered inflation well. The price has fluctuated greatly over the years, but you can usually grab a 5-pound bag for around $5 or less these days. CEIC Data shows that the U.S. price for a pound of flour was $0.46 in December of 2017, and during that same year, the inflation rate was 2.1 percent, according to the balance. The inflation rate was at 6.5 percent in 2022, and the balance estimates it to drop back down to 2.7 percent in 2023.
A chart from theFederal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has the price of flour at 0.455 in April 2022 and 0.55 in February 2023. It looks like the price of flour is pretty resistant to inflation, so feel free to grab a few large bags. It won't last for more than three months in the original packaging ,so be sure to have large, airtight containers on hand. Fill them up and tightly secure the lids. Your flour should be good for up to two years. Write the date on a piece of masking tape and stick it on as a reminder.
Technically a fruit, ripe tomatoes add savory zest to salads, sides, and entrees, and plenty of people love snacking on them. These have been inflation-friendly, with consumer prices staying reasonably consistent. A USDA Economic Research Service chart shows that the consumer per-pound price of tomatoes ranged from about $1.50 a pound to just under $2.00 a pound from 2007 to 2021 — not a huge change.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shares an interesting arc for fresh tomato prices from 2003 to 2023. Twenty years ago, field-grown tomatoes averaged $1.57 a pound, but this spiked in 2005 and 2017. Since inflation wasn't at unusually high levels in those years, the increases could have been caused by growing conditions and other factors. The March 2021 price was $1.77, and December 2022 was $2.23. The latest data for February 2023 shows $1.99. There's no question that tomato prices go up and down and that designer tomatoes cost more, but the prices are more prone to change because of supply conditions like weather and acreage. So enjoy those fresh tomatoes while you can, cook the extra ones into your favorite recipes, and freeze the leftovers.
KT Stock photos/Shutterstock
More than 100 countries on Earth consider ricea staple food, and it comes in different colors, sizes, and flavors. It is a major source of carbohydrates, and brown rice is known to be high in fiber, B vitamins, and other nutrients. And fortunately, it's one of the least expensive grains you can buy, especially when you go with a store brand. For example, you can get a 2-pound bag of Kroger long-grain brown rice for $1.59, and that'll be good for at least a few meals.
According to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of white long-grain rice was $0.83 per pound in February 2022 and $0.959 in February 2023. Trading Economics adds that average prices dropped by 2.77 percent since the start of 2023. Consumers also see changing rice prices for reasons other than inflation. India and China are two of the world's largest producers, and if either cuts back on production, the prices go up. Historically, it has remained pretty affordable, particularly the store brands. Store rice the same way as flour, and it'll last longer, but toss it when it starts to smell funny, look greasy, or has bugs in it. Ew.
8. Canned veggies
Canned vegetables can be just as healthyas fresh or frozen, even if they aren't as flavorful and contain more salt. Canned corn, green beans, and peas are consistentlylow-priced and haven't gone up enough to make people stop buying them during inflation.
Looking at canned green beans, a USDA Economic Research Servicereport shows that these vegetables were priced at $0.82 a pound in 2016. That same year, green peas were $0.99, and corn was $0.85. Fast-forward to 2023.ShopRite has its Bowl & Basket brand version at less than $1 for 14.5 ounces and Green Giant for $1.49. Did the can sizes use to be larger? Yes, but this is nothing new. Over the past decade, canned vegetable sizes have dropped from 16 ounces to as low as 13. You'll also see smaller pasta boxes, cereal boxes, and ice cream containers. Still, the smaller-sized canned vegetables are enough for two or three people and remain cheap. Peasand corn were about the same price as those beans, and shelf-stablefoods like these last so long they might even outlive you.
Strawberry prices also reflect market conditions other than inflation. This held true in 2022 when inflation was soaring. The average grocery store price for a pint was $2.31in June of that year and dropped to $2.20 the next month. Weather conditions impacted prices. Heavy rains in California reduced West Coast supplies, but perfect spring weather on the East Coast helped.
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows that the average price of strawberries has steadily climbed since 1985, going up and down. The pattern didn't change significantly during past periods of inflation (and recession), so supply is the likelier culprit. Berries can't be grown year-round in much of the U.S., so prices also spike when it's too cold to grow them outdoors. Here are some dates and numbers: In July 2020, during the height of the pandemic, strawberries were at $2.02 a pound. The following November, they jumped to $2.93. By December 2022,strawberry prices crept up to $3.85. Now, they're trending lower again. So when the weather is right, you'll see nicer prices, and that's the time to stock up on this sweetly tangy fruit.
Here is some truly exciting news. The average price of bacon droppedfrom 2022 to 2023, as have prices for some other pork products. This is because drought conditions in the Western U.S. forced many farmers to cull (slaughter) their herds to reduce overhead costs. Will the prices go back up? It's possible, but it depends on other factors.
For the time being, consumers can enjoy a temporary break, but there are no guarantees for the future. Bacon prices rose with inflation but started declining after July 2022. Beef2Live puts it in perspective by sharing the prices from 2016 to 2023. In January 2016, the retail price for a pound of bacon was $5.66. By December 2019, it was $5.47. By June 2021, consumers were paying $6.67 a pound, and the price topped off at $7.61 in October 2022. The February 2023 average price has inched down to $6.60. This is another prime example of how other factors influence food prices, so hurry up, get those eggs ready, and have at it.
As with almost all other foods in grocery stores, steak hasn't returned to pre-pandemic prices yet. However, buying beef steak is slightly less painful because the costs have dropped by about 3 percent this past year. Those drought conditions have had the same effect on farmers, and consumers have gotten a little break for now. And that's not all. Consumer demand for high-end cuts has weakened, and there are reports that processing plant staffing shortages have eased.
Don't get too excited because finding filet mignon for $3.99 a pound is the stuff of fantasies. Prices like that are a thing of the past. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that the price of uncooked beef steak went down by 1.9 percent from February 2022 to February 2023. This is interesting when you compare it to ground beef, which went up by 0.3 percent. And what about chicken? The average price jumped by 8.8 percent during that time.
This doesn't mean that it's a good idea to start eating meat five times a week, though. Meat that's high in saturated fat can increase cholesteroland increase the chances of heart disease. Opt for leaner cuts like sirloin and filet mignon, and limit your intake to once or twice a week.
Bananas tend to be inflation-resistant because they can be grown around the world, and this means that consumers enjoy a consistent supply. Production grew 3.2 percent yearly from 2000 to 2017, and the price has only increased slightly during the past 15 to 20 years. Few people dislike bananas, and they're fun to eat. They're also more versatile than other fruits like oranges. Consumers bake bananas into bread, cakes, and muffins. They are also very smoothie-friendly.
CTV News shows that in Canada, the price of bananas increased by 6.3 percent from July 2017 to July 2022. Grapes also went up by 20.9 percent, pears by 28.5 percent, and apples by 36 percent during those five years. Bananas and other fruits can cost more in farther-north countries and must be imported from faraway places like Latin America. The U.S. gets bananas from there too, but also from Florida. A USDA Economic Research Service chart shows that the per-pound price of bananas was $0.57 in 2020 and rose incrementally each year. It's now about $0.64. That's still pretty cheap. For example, you can buy a small bunch (four to six bananas) at Baltimore'sGiant Foods for $1.52. And as with other fresh produce, you'll always pay more for organic. Those bananas come in at $2.18a pound.


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- Blue Apron reports a loss of 47 cents per share.
- Analysts had expected a loss of 30 cents per share.
- Revenue was $238.1 million, versus a forecast of $235.8 million.
Shares of Blue Apron plunged Thursday after the meal-kit delivery company said during its earnings call that it was encountering unexpected costs tied to starting up a new facility.
These costs, as well as further cuts in marketing spending, will likely result in more losses in the second half of the year.
Blue Apron now estimates that its net loss will be between $121 million and $128 million in the second half while net revenue will fall between $380 million and $400 million.
The stock opened trading Thursday down 17 percent.
Earlier Thursday, Blue Apron reported a steep second-quarter loss as the company spends heavily to recruit new customers.
Although the number of customers rose 23 percent year over year, the company said its client base shrank by 9 percent from the first quarter due to a planned $26.1 million reduction in marketing expenses.
Here's a quick look at the earnings report, Blue Apron's first since going public in late June.
- EPS: loss of 47 cents per share, versus an expected loss of 30 cents per share;
- Revenue: $238.1 million, versus a forecast of $235.8 million.
Since Blue Apron's IPO, analysts have questioned whether the company can cut its marketing spending and work to better retain customers. In 2016, Blue Apron had spent about 18 percent of its $795.4 million revenue on marketing. In the latest quarter, Blue Apron cut it to 14.5 percent.
Meanwhile, the company said its average revenue per customer increased to $251 for the second quarter, up from $236 in the previous quarter, but below $264 in the previous year. This helped boost the company's revenue 18 percent to $238.1 million for the quarter, beating analyst exceptions.
Investors will be watching how this plays out, especially as the company starts to pull back on marketing spending to offset higher-than-expected costs in starting up its new plant in Linden, New Jersey.
Blue Apron said during a conference call Thursday that it was seeing higher wage and labor costs and had problems transferring volume from its facility in Jersey City, which is set to close in October.
Blue Apron said it will spend 15 percent to 16 percent of its second-half net revenue on marketing. Spending will be higher in the third quarter and ratchet down in the fourth.
During the second quarter, the company posted a loss of $31.6 million, or 47 cents per share. Analysts had expected a loss of 30 cents per share on $235.8 million in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters estimates.
Blue Apron shares have struggled since debuting on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29. The company began trading at about $10 per share, but after briefly touching $11 that day, it retreated and ended its first day a penny below its opening price. Since then, the stock has been caught in a downward trend.
Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan, told CNBC that despite Blue Apron's struggles, it wasn't a mistake for the company to go public.
"They needed the money to fight the battle... It might have been a mistake to be a buyer of the IPO," Gordon said. "But I think going public was probably a good move for the company, despite the fact that their embarrassments are now public."
In the company's earnings release, CEO Matt Salzberg noted that the IPO, its convertible note issuance and the expansion of its revolving credit facility, have helped the company strengthen its balance sheet.
"We are beginning a new chapter as a public company, and remain focused on our long-term strategy to build an iconic consumer brand, develop a more diverse product portfolio, and further build out an end-to-end supply chain platform," Salzberg said.
—CNBC's Kelly Song contributed to this report.


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A motorcycle is a big investment, so it’s natural for prospective owners to shop around and look at all factors when considering different bikes. According to a new study from Consumer Reports, popular brands like Harley-Davidson and BMW are not as reliable as their Japanese counterparts like Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda, but that hasn’t stopped [...]
The World Superbike season has barely begun and a top rider has already hit a speed bump. BMW competitor Marco Melandri, who was one of the preseason favorites to win the motorsports title after finishing third overall last year, recently underwent surgery on his right shoulder. The pain had been nagging the Italian throughout the winter [...]
The 2013 World Superbike season kicked off at Phillip Island, Australia, over the weekend. Sylvain Guintoli and Eugene Laverty finished in the top two of both races, swapping wins to emerge with 45 points each after the first round of the motorsports series was complete. In the first race, Guintoli came from behind during the 15th [...]
Not every motorcycle is a hog or a supersport bike built for speed, but that doesn’t mean the rides that fall between these extremes are not as exciting or fun to ride.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will honor Ducati motorcycles this year. From March 8 to 10, a collection of 18 rare bikes from the Italian manufacturer will be on display, including the 1946 Cucciolo, which was the brand’s first ever production motorcycle. A showcase of the motorcycles and some select street bike gear will be [...]
There’s good news for motorcycle fans in the U.S. Despite previously forecasting a decline in motorcycle sales, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reported a 2.6 percent increase in the U.S. market during the past year, Motorcycle.com reports. It was the first time since 2002 that new bike sales in all four major segments – scooters, dual [...]
BMW has been at the center of many rumors throughout the past few weeks. The manufacturer was shopping around for a new owner for its Husqvarna brand, but while many believed KTM was the front runner to take over the classic company, the final buyer was a bit of surprise. Husqvarna Motorcycles, a 110-year-old company, was solid [...]
Teams from MotoGP and World Superbike were ready to attack days of motorsports testing at the Jerez track in Spain, but rainy conditions washed out almost all of the planned runs. According to Ultimate Motorcycling, the racing ban is still in effect for riders, so most of the work was to focus on new electronic [...]
Bonhams hosted its third annual motorcycle auction in Las Vegas, where a large crowd of buyers at Bally's Hotel & Casino helped to make the sale the most successful one thus far.


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At a conference on NFTs last weekend, the organizer, Gary Vaynerchuk, a serial entrepreneur and social media influencer, said about 97-98% of current projects will lose value by 2024. Vaynerchuk’s conference, dubbed “VeeCon,” is all about digital ownership and how emerging technologies can interact with the arts, sports and entertainment. As the NFT market appears to be crumbling, Vaynerchuk explained that the current NFT problems are largely due to a lack of education and communication about the technology.
Last weekend’s VeeCon conference was the first edition. It is an event “with icons from the worlds of business, sports, music, art, Web3 and popular culture”. Vaynerchuk said the goal is to build lasting relationships, share ideas and connect with the community. In addition to being a serial entrepreneur and social media influencer, Vaynerchuk is also known for his early investments in companies like Facebook and Coinbase. Event tickets were sold as NFTs.
As a reminder, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a type of digital asset created to track the ownership of a virtual item using blockchain technology. These unique items can be works of art or sports cards. In the first half of 2021, the market experienced exponential growth with record numbers. Total NFT sales in the first half of 2021 were approximately $2.5 billion, compared to just $13.7 million in the first half of 2020. However, following this period of strong growth, the market has been in decline since the second half of 2021. didn’t stop collapsing.
Indeed, since this latest growth spike, the NFT market has seen wild swings in the price people are willing to pay for digital assets. Ami Barzelay, product manager of Crinkle, a store rewards optimization program, described owning NFT as “digital bragging rights.” An NFT, which can be an image, song, or video, can be copied and viewed by anyone in the world, but there can only be one owner. He added that just for fun, he paid $100 for a Tiger Woods music video, which he then sold for $5,000.
Reports have revealed that there is inherent skepticism and fear in buying and selling things that do not exist in the physical world. The Vaynerchuk conference aimed to combat this. At a media luncheon on Thursday, Vaynerchuk said it would take education, communication and time to familiarize people with the idea of NFTs and blockchain. “Many of us remember that we, or especially our parents, were incredibly scared and uncomfortable using a credit card for an online purchase,” he told reporters.
And when the first problems of fraud and theft arose, protective measures were finally taken. This will soon be the case for the blockchain. Education and communication will solve everything, he says, while predicting that in 20 years all real estate sales will be registered this way. NFTs are a lot of fun to collect, but they are a small part of the consumer blockchain. We will all end up interacting with NFTs because these will be our airline tickets, our receipts, our US Bank Stadium tickets, etc., they will be our membership cards, Vaynerchuk said.
right now we’re using plastic or QR codes or email confirmations for a lot of things that I think blockchain will absorb because it’s a better technology for those things. It will just take some time, he added. Still, there is some fear surrounding the longevity of the space. Bitcoin hit its lowest level since December 2020, below $26,000, early last week, and shares of listed cryptocurrency brokerage Coinbase have fallen a whopping 74% this week since the start of the month.
The Ether price has recently fallen 60% from its 2021 peak. Other crypto assets such as UST stablecoin and Luna cryptocurrency have also fallen. Stablegains, an application for generating returns through decentralized financing, announced on its blog on May 21 that it will stop providing services to its customers and invite its users to withdraw their funds from the platform. Stablegains was forced to close after a remarkable loss of approximately $40 million, following the collapse of the cryptocurrency and NFT market.
Bought 2.9 million, the NFT’s first tweet in history, that of co-founder Jack Dorsey, was worth just $10,000 in March 2022. digital property. In March, the highest bid for Dorsey’s main NFT was $9,968. According to analysts, this shows that the frenzy over these digital assets is waning. Estavi explained that he will not sell his NFT for less than $50 million. But the question that analysts are asking is: what interest do people have in buying this NFT these days?
Right now, the crushing energy of space is very short-lived. I’d say it’s greed. Many do not spend their time on education. The reality is that all of these behaviors will cause 97-98% of current projects to lose value in the next 24-36 months because the supply and demand curves don’t work,” Vaynerchuk said. He is not the first to predict such a thing. In June, Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam had already said that about 90% of NFTs would be worthless within 3-5 years.
Ehrsam had drawn parallels between the rise of cryptocurrencies and the dotcom boom of the 1990s. I would even go so far as to say that 90% of NFTs produced will likely be of little or no value in three to five years’ time. The same can be said of the early Internet companies in the late 1990s, he said. To him, NFTs are no different than any other cryptocurrency project. He said these projects often spring from craze overnight. According to him, people will try everything, but eventually the market will collapse completely.
Many have said they hope the crash marks the end of the unrelenting media coverage of the concept. Despite the overwhelming evidence that this was all a scam at best and an impending environmental disaster at worst, many people were tempted by the promise of something new/money, and for a brief moment hundreds of millions of dollars flew around the world in exchange for videos people didn’t have. But that golden age is now over, said one critic.
What is your opinion on the subject?
NFT sales volume reached $2.5 billion in H1 2021 as market recovers from May crash
Stablegains accused of deceiving its customers, after announcing the closure, we will stop offering the Stablegains service, withdraw the remaining funds
Bought for 2.9 million, the NFT from the first tweet in history is worth just $10,000, showing the frenzy over these digital assets is fading


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Let the giving season begin. Starting today, Best Buy is giving its customers an opportunity to get a jumpstart on the season and support teens from underserved communities with its first Give-Back Sale.
Starting today and running through Oct. 27, 5% of profits from select sale items at Best Buy (in stores and online) will be donated to Teen Tech Centers — safe, after-school learning spaces equipped with cutting-edge technology where youth learn new skills, stay on track with school, nurture positive adult and peer relationships, and discover career pathways. My Best Buy members can start the season of giving on Oct. 24, while all Best Buy customers can support the centers starting Oct. 25. A full list of sale items can be found at BestBuy.com.
Best Buy, together with a network of nonprofit and co-investment partners, has opened 31 Teen Tech Centers across the country, welcoming nearly 8,000 teens each year. So far, Teen Tech Center participants have launched podcasts, produced original music, and completed summer internships at some of the country’s most notable technology companies.
“We’re so excited that customers will have a hand in supporting the future of teens across the country through this sale,” said Andrea Wood, senior director of Social Impact at Best Buy. “Our Teen Tech Centers are unleashing the limitless possibilities of technology to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. We couldn’t do it without the support of our partners, customers and local communities.”
Funds raised from this sale will support existing Teen Tech Centers and build on Best Buy’s goal of having 60 centers open by the end of 2020 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Geek Squad Academy and Career Pathways
The Give-Back Sale and Teen Tech Centers are just two of several ways Best Buy supports youth across the country. The company also supports programs like Geek Squad Academy — a tech-focused day camp taught by Best Buy employees — that lights a spark in younger teens, igniting their passion for pursuing tech-related higher education or tech jobs in the years ahead.
Career Pathways is another program that offers a yearlong technical training program combining intensive technical and workplace readiness training with paid internships in high-demand fields, such as cyber security and digital media.
To learn more about our Teen Tech Centers, click here.


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Africa-Press – Cape verde. Transport statistics in the second quarter of 2023 point to an 11.4 percent (%) increase in planes handled at national airports and airfields, compared to the same period of the previous year, revealed today the INE.
According to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in the 2nd quarter of 2023 there was also a 15.6% increase in the number of passenger movements, compared to the same period last year.
Also according to INE, an increase of 15.4% in tons of cargo handled was recorded, as well as a 6.1% increase in mail handled.
On the other hand, and in terms of ports, Cape Verde recorded a 1.5% decrease in the number of ships handled and there was also a 2.8% decrease in goods handled.


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The nonprofit organization A Promise to Jordan is excited to host its first “Mocktail” Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Real Art Ways in Hartford. The recovery-friendly event will bring restaurateurs and bar owners from across the state together to show off their best non-alcoholic cocktails and compete to be named the best!
“We are thrilled to offer an alternative to the typical beer or wine tastings since our organization is committed to fighting substance use disorders,” said Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan (APTJ). “Additionally, the food and beverage industry has been financially decimated by the pandemic and we wanted to showcase the mixology mastery of our local eateries, while finally having something fun to look forward to.”
The event will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the art gallery located at 56 Arbor Street, barring any COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. The charitable competition is expected to draw hundreds of guests to taste the mocktails and appetizers, partake of the silent auction and raffles, and enjoy a great night out. If gathering restrictions are still in place, the event may be a mix of in-person and virtual or be completely virtual, if necessary. Virtual guests will receive a mocktail kit to make the delicious drinks at home by following along as the vendors mix the recipes live. In-person tickets are $45 and virtual tickets are $35. For more info or to purchase tickets visit https://mocktailtasting.eventbrite.com.
Gray notes that there is no fee for restaurants or bars to enter and that the nonprofit organization is even covering the cost of their temporary food permits. Interested restaurants to date include 110 Grill, Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar, DaCapo, Iron Horse Pizzeria, Lucky Lou's Bar and Grille, Roux, Soma Grille, and The North House. Plus, Athletic Brewing Company, of Stratford, has already signed on to serve their selection of non-alcoholic brews.
“We are also accepting auction and raffle donations such as gift cards, gift baskets, decor items, jewelry and fashion or gourmet treats. We'll even pick them up!” said Gray.
Proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about substance abuse, eliminating the stigma of addiction, assisting people in accessing quality care, and giving hope to those struggling with addiction and their families that recovery is possible. Gray created A Promise to Jordan after losing her then 24-year-old son, Jordan Arakelian, to an accidental overdose in 2018.
“A Promise to Jordan wants to reach young people before they are in the grips of addiction,” explained Gray. “With the current opioid crisis, America is losing thousands of valuable lives every month. In 2019, over 1,200 lives were lost to overdoses just in Connecticut. Because of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the numbers for 2020 are expected to be much worse.”
In addition to community educational programs, A Promise to Jordan hosts NARCAN and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings designed to save the lives of overdose victims and those contemplating suicide.
This holiday season, a holiday toy drive supplied gifts for individuals in residential treatment to give to their children when they came to visit.
About A Promise to Jordan
A Promise to Jordan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named for Jordan Arakelian who died from an accidental opioid overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. Founded by his mother, Lisa Gray, the mission of A Promise to Jordan is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with addiction. Visit apromisetojordan.org for information and resources, or call (860) 390-1391.


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By Jared Janzen
HALSTEAD—Calving season is in full-swing at Terry and Jerry Holdeman’s farm northwest of Halstead.
The twin brothers expect to have about 65 calves born this year, with 30-some born so far and more coming every day. The first arrived on Feb. 23, and the last should arrive at the start of May.
“The most we’ve had this year so far is five in a day, and then of course there’s some days we haven’t had any,” Terry said.
Last Saturday afternoon, when Harvey County Now was visiting, Terry discovered three new calves born earlier that day. The two brothers have about 80 to 85 heifers, or mother cows, in their herd right now.
Terry and Jerry jumped into the cattle business when they were 19.
“Dad had cattle when we were young, but he lost most of his pasture, and so he sold off most of his herd,” Terry said, adding he and Jerry were around their early teens when that happened. “We wanted to get back into it.”
The brothers’ cattle operation is based at the late Ivan Schirer’s property northwest of Halstead. Terry said he once helped care for Schirer’s cattle.
“At the tail end of when Ivan had cattle, I did all the labor for him, and he had the cows and supplied the feed,” Terry said. “Then I bought all his cows out. He passed away kind of unexpectedly.”
Nowadays, Terry does most of the day-to-day cow chores, checking the herd at least twice a day. Brother Jerry works full-time as a heavy equipment mechanic, but he helps on weekends with some of the more labor-intensive tasks, like vaccinations.
About a third of the Holdemans’ herd is registered, but they want to increase this percentage and “grow from within” by saving back heifers to build up the herd.
“It’s a way of tracking their pedigree so a buyer in the future might know where it came from and what it was,” Jerry said. “That way a potential buyer knows what genetics he’s getting into.”
The brothers said they didn’t think it was as common for people in this immediate area to have registered cattle, mainly because most farmers have more to do with crops than livestock. They first got into registering animals in 2017.
The brothers also have a trailer they use to sell beef from the cattle they raise. They call the business 86 Farm, after the year they were born. They’re getting ready for their third season at the Newton farmers market. Their products include steaks, ground beef, summer sausage, roasts, hamburger patties, beef jerky and bratwurst. They sell meat by the cut or by the quarter, half or whole.
“Our goals with our meat business is to bring a quality product to the consumer,” Terry said. “You go to these grocery stores, and you really have no idea where your meat is coming from. It could be coming from overseas—who knows where.”
He noted that packaging can be misleading because even if beef says “Packaged in the USA,” the cow may have been raised overseas and brought to the country after it was slaughtered.
Terry also pointed out that their meat is dry-aged for 10 to 14 days, which he said gives the meat a better taste and means the consumer isn’t paying for water in the weight.
“When you buy from a big beef packer, it’s butchered, put in the package, and the only aging time is from when it goes from the processing plant to the store,” Terry said. “So it’s aged in its package.” Ours is hung at our processor for 10 to 14 days before it’s packaged, so you’re getting a higher quality product.”
In addition to the Newton farmers market, the brothers have sold to customers in Wichita. Terry noted some of these folks have enjoyed their meat so much they only buy from them.
Terry and Jerry plan to butcher 12 cows this year for their meat business. Others they’ll sell through the sale barn, but they would love to increase their meat sales to the point where they no longer have to do that.
“That helps take out the middle man, so obviously that helps us out,” Terry said. “Somebody else is getting a cut of it if we do it that way.”
When COVID-19 first struck a year ago, the brothers had trouble getting dates scheduled with their butcher. By June, they had sold everything they had in stock and had to start telling customers nothing was available.
“The day we had it back in stock was the best day we’ve had at the farmers market in all our years of going,” Terry said.
He added that raising cattle is the sort of business you have to be in long term to see results, but they’ve discovered a love for it.
“The reason I do it every day is for the love of land and livestock,” Jerry said.
“I guess you could say agriculture is in our blood,” Terry added.
For a full price list or information on how to place an order, visit the 86 Farm page on Facebook or email email@example.com.


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Technology Depot is open for business
Jul 10, 2008
The Office of Information Technology has opened the Technology Depot in Baker University Center 112.
The Technology Depot will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the summer. Fall quarter hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.
Technology Depot services include:
- ID cards
- software distribution
- computer, peripheral & accessory sales
- computer repair pick-up and drop-off
- clicker distribution
- walk-up technical support
These services that were formerly available at the HDL Center and CSC will be available exclusively at the Technology Depot. The OIT front office in the HDL Center and the technology showcase in the Computer Services Center are now closed.
For more information, contact the OIT Service Desk at 740-593-1222 or email@example.com.
Updated July 14, 2008 to add hours of operation.
Office of Information Technology: http://www.ohio.edu/technology/
Published: Jul 10, 2008 11:39 AM


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Konami has released the first in a new series of PES 2013 trailers.
This one introduces the upcoming football title's game modes.
Hit the link for the full list of new PES 2013 features.
We came away very impressed following our first hands-on with the game. See what we thought in this PES 2013 preview.


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The Canada-wide shortage of legal cannabis has prompted several provinces to restrict retail sales, but many entrepreneurs in B.C. remain keen to secure provincial retail licences, even at the risk of having empty shelves this spring.
Cannabis shortages prompted Quebec to reduce its weekly days of operation to four at its government-run stores, while Ontario has placed a limit of 25 on the number of private stores eligible to start operating in April. Alberta stopped issuing new licences for retail cannabis stores after its government-run distributor received only about 20% of the stock that it ordered from federally licensed producers.
The legal cannabis shortage in B.C. has prompted the government’s BC Cannabis Stores consumer platform to include a “back in stock” section on its website to help consumers find recently restocked products.
Private retail entrepreneurs, however, have been lucky at getting stock so far.
But she added that it has been challenging getting some cannabis oils via the BCLDB.
“We would love to see more supply from some of our favourite licensed producers, like Whistler [Medical Marijuana Corp.], because they are organic, and that is where we came from.”
With only six private cannabis stores and one government store licensed in B.C. as of January 4, some market watchers speculate that B.C.’s legal cannabis shortage is not as acute as in other parts of Canada because the province’s black market continues to thrive.
Dozens of illegal stores in operation in Vancouver and other parts of the province are feeding demand that would otherwise go through legal cannabis retail channels.
Cannabis industry expert Deepak Anand pointed to Health Canada statistics from December that showed that 4,504 kilograms of legal dried cannabis was sold in October after sales launched October 17.
Licensed producers, many of which are waiting for sales licences, had more than 21 times that amount sitting in inventory on December 18, according to Health Canada.
“There still is a shortage of product, in general,” Anand said, “but the faster Health Canada can license people to start to sell cannabis, the more product will be in the market.”
Althing Consulting principal Ian Dawkins said while on a panel in December, at the O’Cannabiz conference in Vancouver, that many entrepreneurs now in the black, or “grey,” market in Vancouver are “staring at the barrel of a gun because they are worried about opening their stores and having literally nothing on the shelves in April, May and June.”
He suggested that many might therefore prefer to stay outside the legal sales funnel.
Entrepreneurs whom BIV spoke to, however, remain eager to get a legal retail licence to operate in Vancouver, even with the City of Vancouver charging $33,097 in business licence fees on top of more than $9,000 in initial provincial fees – far more than any other municipality in the province.
Three retail cannabis stores in Vancouver have received licences:
• City Cannabis Co., which received its licence last week and opened its doors for the first time at Unit 7291 at 7289 Fraser Street during the evening of January 4 to become the first legal cannabis store to open in Vancouver;
• Evergreen Cannabis Society, which received its licence in December and opened for business at 2868 West 4th Avenue on January 5; and
• City Cannabis Co., which received its second retail licence for a store last week and owner Krystian Wetulani told BIV that he expected the location at 610 Robson Street to open January 9.
Cannabis Culture principal Jodie Emery said that she and her team have been frustrated in their attempts to get development permits for cannabis retail licences. One challenge was that the city did not post a link to business licence forms on its web page that explained how to get a licence for a cannabis store.
Getting a development permit is the first step in the process.
The city maintains that all forms are on its website, and a spokesman told BIV that the cannabis retail licensing page may soon have the link to development permit forms.
Village Bloomery owner Jeremy Jacob told BIV in December that he believes he is close to being licensed for a cannabis store at 1540 West 2nd Avenue.
“We were never in the group that sued the city,” he said.
“It’s not [hard to get a development permit] if you’re in the right proximity, and if you’re working proactively, or constructively, with the city. If you’re outside that proximity, and in a contentious position with them, you will have a very hard time.”


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MUSKEGON, MI – Well Muskegon, now you’ve seen one type of cargo-container construction, what do you think?
That flexibility and portability might lessen some fears of the cargo containers being suggested for the artisan and food outlets planned for the Shoreline Market, which city planners have given initial approval for on the Morris Street parking lot in downtown Muskegon.
But the look of the cargo containers, stacked up next to Lake Michigan this week, might give others concern. The containers used on the beach were not improved or upgraded as they could be for commercial retail use.
Shoreline Market developers from Urban Renaissance Group would argue that cargo containers can be made to be upscale such as their use in a Starbucks coffee outlet in Seattle.
So Muskegon, after seeing cargo construction on Pere Marquette Beach, what do you think? Has that up-close look at the containers given you a more favorable impression, less favorable or not changed your mind?
Facebook: Dave Alexander


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Amazon Echo Dot is Back at Half the Price
Amazon decided to cut back the second generation Echo Dot's price to half the original. Now, Alexa - Amazon's virtual voice assistant - would sell into as many homes for just a price of $49.99. With a smaller, sleeker and more stylish body, the new Dot is even more powerful with a new set of "skills" to boot.
Smaller but powerful
Aside from cutting its price to half, the new Echo Dot is smaller with just two volume buttons instead of a volume ring. Amazon also made the new Dot even better and more powerful. Its predecessor was a smash hit for Amazon and even won distinction from CNET as an Editors' Choice. Stocks sold out quickly and after months of being unavailable, Alexa returns with plenty of new "skills."
The new voice app's "skills" allow Alexa to do more than 3,000 different things that a consumer asks for, including calling for a ride, making credit card payments and even ordering pizza.
With the release of the cheaper Echo Dot, the smart home speaker powered by Siri that Apple is planning and the smart speaker Google Home might find it hard to beat the competition.
The Echo Dot wakes up when the wake word "Alexa" is said. Alexa is Amazon's equivalent of Siri found in a speaker. It records every word that a consumer says and responds to it in just a matter of seconds. Other wake word options are also available like "Amazon" and "Echo."
The Dot's new microphone hears even better than before. Giving voice commands is much easier even if there is background noise or music playback. Consumers can stream music from different channels like Amazon or Spotify, set timers, look up facts, make it an alarm clock, read the day's headlines from news sources or tell jokes.
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Top 5 Video Games to Play for a Truly Unique First Date
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JAKARTA (AFP): A strong, magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Indonesia on Sunday (July 7), the US Geological Survey reported, triggering a tsunami warning and sending panicked residents fleeing from their homes.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian police have arrested the leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah militant network linked to al-Qaeda, authorities said on Tuesday, on suspicion of recruiting members and sending them to Syria to train with extremist groups.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should contribute funding besides just offering the eggs of its last remaining female Sumatran rhinoceros to Indonesia to help conserve the species, says International rhino expert Dr Terri Roth.
Indonesian e-commerce unicorn Tokopedia is investing in two logistics companies and using artificial intelligence to predict buying behaviour as part of an effort to speed delivery and slash shipping costs in the world’s biggest archipelago.


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- Front Page
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The Franchise Owner's most trusted news source
Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) announced this morning that its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has been finalized. Marriott is now the world's largest hotel company with 30 hotel brands and 5,700 hotels in 110 countries. The company's expanded distribution of hotels has in one swoop more than doubled in Asia, the Middle East and Africa combined.
"With the addition of Starwood's strong brands, great properties, and talented people, we have dramatically expanded our ability to provide the best experiences to our customers," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board of Marriott International.
Arne Sorenson is to remain president and chief executive officer of Marriott International. Marriott's headquarters will remain in Bethesda, Maryland.
Of the new larger franchising company, Arne Sorenson stated: "We can now provide a better range of choices for our guests, more opportunities for our associates, and greater financial benefits for our owners, franchisees, and shareholders."
The acquisition was hotly contested. In the end Marriott outlasted Chinese rival bidder Anbang Insurance Group Company, which abruptly withdrew its offer for Starwood. But then Marriott had to wait quite some time for Chinese regulators to approve its merger in China. Announcement of China's approval was made on Tuesday, September 20.
Marriott's buyout of Starwood enables the franchisor to expand the scope of its hotel distribution and brand portfolio, while realizing cost efficiencies in its corporate operations. Marriott uses an asset light franchising model to better leverage corporate staff to support franchisees. That is to say, the hotels that hoist its brand flags are essentially owned by franchisee property developers. The company is confident it can achieve $250 million in annual corporate cost savings. It reassures franchisees that they can expect better corporate sales expertise and improved account coverage and support with the combined organization. The company argues that this will provide its franchisees with better revenue opportunities and insights.
"These enhanced efficiencies and revenue opportunities should drive improved property-level profitability as well as greater owner and franchisee preference for the combined company's brands, which will encourage new hotel development," Sorenson said.
A one-time transaction cost for the merger is expected to total approximately $140 million.
For consumers, Marriott announced it will match member status across Marriott Rewards with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Members will be able to transfer loyalty reward points between the programs for travel and exclusive experiences when they link their accounts later today. The company touts that the combined loyalty program will offer members new destinations, such as Aruba, Tuscany's Serchio Valley, Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Maldives, Bora Bora and Santorini, Greece.
Effective today Marriott has expanded its board of directors from 11 to 14 seats. It has added director Bruce Duncan, chairman, president and CEO of First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. It has also added two former Starwood directors–Eric Hippeau, partner at Lerer Hippeau Ventures and Aylwin Lewis, chairman and CEO of Potbelly Corporation.


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Cisco’s John Chambers once said: “Most companies will be digital within five years, yet the majority of digital transformation efforts will fail.” This is startling, especially since this failure is due to current enterprise technologies not being designed for the reality of business today.
When it comes to lists about innovative tech locations, it’s perhaps unsurprising that London ranks high. However, it’s by no means the only UK city making waves.
If you’re looking for books a little more cerebral to pack in your beach bag this summer, Steve Butler, CEO, Punter Southall Aspire has put together a list of his top five reads.
Once you pay attention and take your rivals seriously, there are numerous things you’ll learn in terms of bettering your own performance. Take these Wimbledon stories as a case in point.
A simple solution for improving the day-to-day activities of the workforce could be by taking a sensible approach to technology innovation.
If you’re seeking a new way to boost the flow of innovation entering the business, you could look to introduce the hackathon – a method Facebook favours.
Fake currency is a business, and business is booming. Yet despite high-profile cases, the Secret Service has said, “The threat of fake currency has grown in recent years,” thanks to advances in scanning and printing technology.
A surprise accolade confirms Richard Blanford’s view that continued innovation is the way forward, while failing fast is no bad thing if quickly abandoned.
Ice cream chain Ben & Jerry’s won’t serve two scoops of the same flavour in Australia until same-sex marriage is made legal. Creative moves such as this has garnered the company a fabulous reputation for doing good.
After spending time on a new visual look for her business, TaxCalc CEO Tracy Ebdon-Poole got thinking about why brand identity is a daily task.
International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways, has invested in two tech startups as part of its accelerator programme.
To foster innovation is one of the key drivers of any successful business. What can be tricky however, is trying to find ways in which to do so.


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Q2 named 2019 NAFCU Services Innovation Award winner for Q2 Gro
Q2 awarded alongside LendKey, Mastercard for driving card usage, loans, deposits
AUSTIN, TX (June 19, 2019) — David Eads,Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:QTWO), a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for banking and lending, today announced it is the recipient of a NAFCU Services 2019 Innovation Award for Q2 Gro, a digital sales and marketing platform for financial institutions.
Recognizing groundbreaking solutions that enable credit unions to thrive and compete in a complex marketplace, the Innovation Awards are the highest distinction offered through the NAFCU Services Preferred Partner program. The annual awards honor those that consistently demonstrate commitment to bringing new, unique and valued products that are continually improving the industry for credit unions.
“Competition for deposits and customers is more intense than ever, and financial institutions are seeking new ways to grow deposits and customer relationships,” said David Eads, VP of sales for Q2 Gro. “Q2 Gro helps FIs provide a great first impression in their digital channel, letting banks and credit unions use modern digital marketing techniques to grow faster than ever before – and do it more efficiently. It helps level the playing field so community institutions can compete and win against the big banks.”
Acquired by Q2 in December 2018, Q2 Gro applies best practices in e-commerce to financial experiences to drive growth at every stage of the end user’s financial journey. With its intuitive mobile-first account opening capabilities, financial institutions can reduce abandonment by up to 70 percent and significantly shorten the application process to attract and acquire more customers and deposits. Q2 Gro provides credit unions and other financial institutions with large-scale marketing tactics and streamlined user experiences that allow customers to open a new account in minutes.
“Innovative and effective solutions like Q2 Gro are helping credit unions thrive in today’s ever-changing competitive market,” said Randy Salser, president at NAFCU Services. “Selected by a prominent committee of industry leaders, the Innovation Awards are a great indication of Q2’s continued contributions to the industry.”
For more information about Q2 and Q2 Gro, visit www.q2ebanking.com.
About Q2 Holdings Inc
Q2 is a leading provider of digital banking and lending solutions to banks, credit unions, alternative finance companies, and fintechs in the U.S. and internationally. Q2 enables its financial institutions and fintech companies to provide comprehensive, secure, data-driven digital client engagement solutions—from consumers to small businesses and corporate clients. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices throughout the world and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol QTWO. To learn more, please visit Q2.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up-to-date.
About NAFCU Services Corporation
NAFCU Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). They connect forward-thinking credit unions to the best business partners. NAFCU Services’ Preferred Partners have supported credit union success in technology, security, risk management, and many other areas of business for more than 40 years. Companies go through a rigorous vetting process before becoming a Preferred Partner, so credit union leaders know the solutions are trustworthy. For more information, visit nafcu.org/nafcuservices and connect on Twitter @NAFCUServices.


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Two farmers markets kick off this weekend in Tigard
Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood will be teeming with markets after this weekend's grand openings in Tigard
The crowds will converge at two spots across Tigard this weekend, as the city celebrates the start to a new farmers market season.
For three years, Tigard has been home to two competing farmers markets, the Tigard Area Farmers Market and the Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market.
Both kick off this weekend and run through October.
Here's what you need to know about both of the Tigard markets, and what you'll be able to get at each:
Tigard Area Farmers Market
The Tigard Area Farmers Market launches its summer market The Original Tigard Farmers Market, this Sunday, May 10, at the corner of Southwest Burnham Street and Hall Boulevard.
Kim Marshall, the market manager, said she expects to see record-breaking crowds this season.
The market, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013, is run by the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Sunday only event will boast 40 different vendors, including about a dozen new additions to the market, when it opens this weekend, Marshall said.
"As always, the opening of the summer market is known for its bountiful and beautiful flower baskets and bouquets, jewelry, hand made soaps, delicious baked goods, fresh produce, artisan food products, and more," the Chamber said in a release about the market's opening. "All perfect for Mothers Day celebrations."
The market is expanding its Market Sprouts childrens program this year, with more hands-on educational activities and scavenger hunts aimed at teaching kids about where their food comes from.
The Tigard Area Farmers Market has grown by leaps and bounds this year. In April, the organization launched a Wednesday farmers market at the Tigard Grange Hall. The Wednesday afternoon farmers market is meant to attract customers on their way home from work.
The Original Tigard Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, through October. The Wednesday Market is scheduled to wrap up in August.
What: Original Tigard Farmers Market
Where: Tigard Public Works, 8777 S.W. Burnham St., in Tigard
When: Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting May 10
Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market
But thats not the only market vying for your attention this weekend.
The citys second farmers market, the Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market located at Canterbury Square, 14389 S.W. Pacific Highway, is also launching this weekend, but a day earlier.
The market, which broke off from the Tigard Area Farmers Market in 2013, will open Saturday, May 9, and will run both Saturday and Sunday through October.
"You spoke, we listened," organizer Sean Matthews wrote on the market's Facebook page earlier this year. "We hope that by adding Saturday we will better be able to reach every citizen and encourage more people to put fresh local fruits and veggies on the table every day and help everyone stay connected to friends and local community organizations."
The Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market will feature about 30 vendors this year, including free face painting for kids.
The Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What: Tigard Bull Mountain Farmers Market
Where: Canterbury Square, 14389 S.W. Pacific Highway, in Tigard
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting May 9
The area is home to several other farmers markets as well. The Sherwood Saturday Market officially launched on May 2, at Cannery Square, 22341 SW Pine Street. The Tualatin Farmers Market will open at a new location, the Tualatin Public Library, in June.JW_DISQUS_ADD_A_COMMENT


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Boston Fintech Week 2023, held October 10-14, was a fantastic celebration of the fintech industry in Boston. At SFS, Anne Millington, Christian Clay, Kathleen McCue and Peter Millington were fortunate to attend some interesting panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Some of our key takeaways from the event:
- Boston is a global leader in fintech. The city is home to a thriving fintech ecosystem, with over 500 startups and established companies operating in the space. Boston is also a major hub for fintech investment, with over $1 billion invested in Boston-based fintech companies in 2022.
- AI is the hottest topic in fintech. AI is being used to power a wide range of fintech applications, from fraud detection to risk assessment to investment management.
- At the CFA Society Boston’s event “AI in Asset Management,” panelists Josh Bennett, CFA, Lisa Huang, Asha Mehta, CFA and Dan Fasciano, CFA, CAIA discussed how AI is transforming the way we work in profound ways, and that over time every role or job may have its own unique virtual assistant. In order to address privacy concerns, firms are developing their own local Generative AI capabilities instead of using ChatGPT.
- Collaboration is key to innovation. Fintech companies are increasingly collaborating with established financial institutions to bring new products and services to market. Speakers at Boston Fintech Week discussed the benefits of collaboration and how fintech companies and financial institutions can work together to create a more innovative and inclusive financial system.
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are still in their early stages of adoption, but they have the potential to revolutionize the financial services industry.
- Cybersecurity is a major concern for fintech companies, and they need to invest in robust security measures to protect their customers’ data.
- The fintech industry is becoming increasingly diverse, with more women and minorities entering the field.
A big thank you to Sarah Biller of Fintech Sandbox, David Jegen of F-Prime Capital, Kristen Craft of Fidelity Investments and all others who pulled together to host an exciting and informative week.


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MANILA, Philippines — Following 2 incidents of shooting inside their mall in less than a week, SM management has announced that it will enforce a strict “no gun” policy around theirs malls nationwide.
This morning, SM management and security started the removal of arcade cabinets like Time Crisis, House of the Dead, Jurassic Park and numerous others; all with realistic gun attachments that players use to shoot the screen with. “After we have rid our malls of these violent games, our next step is to discontinue sales of plastic toy guns from Toy Kingdom. An immediate recall to all related items are currently being implemented across all our branches nationwide,” said Alfonso Pinaumayan, head of security and logistics at SM Corp.
Two separate incidents of shooting have taken place recently at 2 malls of SM in a span of 5 days. The first one involved Shiela Macapugay, who shot her husband and a security guard , who tried to stop her from shooting herself. Investigators believes that the suspect is not psychologically stable and reports of her being a battered wife are still being investigated.
Another shooting involving 2 minors at SM Pampanga happened before noon yesterday. Authorities are looking at the angle of “lover’s quarrel” as the reason of the shooting. Details are hard to come by as both sides of the family refuses to grant interviews to the media.
The Philippine National Police investigators, with the help of SM Mall’s CCTV has found out that both suspects visited Timezone and Tom’s World respectively before initiating the crime. Authorities came to the conclusion that games inside the establishment influenced both suspect into performing violent acts.
This led to the swift action of SM management mentioned above and released a statement: “We believe that by doing this, we are making our malls a safer place to shop. After the recall of the games and toys, our security personnel will no longer check the bags of shoppers because we believe that we have already removed the bad influences inside our malls.”
Marketing and promotional departments of SM Corporation is currently composing a new jingle for the mall following the improvement of the security. Jessimae Filomena, project manager of the new jingle, was asked for a sample of the new lyrics, and she had this to say: ” Come on in and look what we’ve got / There’s so much more / There’s such a lot / Here at SM we’ve got it all / We’ve got it all / Except toy guns / We’ve got it all / Except arcade gun games / So come everyone / Here at SM / It’s all at SM / Here at SM / We’ve got it all for you! “


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Boots has expanded its mole scanning service to include 17 pharmacies across Ireland. This service has been introduced to hopefully encourage more awareness of skin health, and to help tackle Ireland’s most common form of cancer, skin cancer.
Melanoma diagnosis in Ireland has more than trebled in the last 20 years, and the number of skin cancer cases is projected to double by 2045.
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Sipping gin and juice, laid back at the pool in a voxelized mansion
Hiphop superstar Snoop Dogg has announced his move into the virtual word of The Sandbox. The American rapper will recreate his villa in the voxelized gaming world, allowing visitors to check out his $17 million NFT collection. In addition Snoop will host private parties in the virtual mansion, including live performances by the rapper himself.
Snoop Dogg released his own NFT collection earlier this year, but his big move into NFTs happened in the shadows. Under the pseudonym Cozomo de’Medici the rapper has been collecting $17 million worth of NFTs. The NFT collection includes various CryptoPunks, several robot Meebits and generative art from Art Blocks Curated. The fact that Cozomo revealed his true identity this week, right before the announcement of the partnership with The Sandbox, can’t be a coincidence.
It stands without saying that Snoop Dogg will have a huge mansion inside The Sandbox. To celebrate his move into the virtual world, The Sandbox will organize two land sales. The first one will take place next week on Thursday, September 30th. During these land sales gamers can buy land close to Snoop’s villa, while also obtaining premium NFTs. There will be game characters shaped after Snoop in recognizable outfits, and much-wanted Party Pass NFTs.
Snoop Dogg’s exclusive Party Pass sold out instantly
To be part of an exclusive club of users, Snoop Dogg has issued 1000 Snoop Dogg Private Party Pass NFTs. These give the owners access to exclusive NFT airdrops and private parties in the virtual Dogg villa. They already sold out 650 of them for 1050 SAND ($780), while the cheapest one of the open marketplace is now 1.6 ETH or $4922.
The remaining 350 passes will go to Premium Land owners in the upcoming land sales, and to The Sandbox community members. The Sandbox will organize two land sales on September 30th and November 4th, featuring the Snoop Dogg NFTs, the party passes and premium land next to Snoop’s virtual mansion.
The Sandbox getting ready to launch
The virtual world of The Sandbox is already one of the most talked about projects in the metaverse. However, The Sandbox isn’t live yet. They expect an early version of their world to hit the market before the end of the year. Aside from Snoop Dogg there are many other brands taking a stake in the virtual world, including the comic book series The Walking Dead, dj Deadmau5 and gaming company Atari. Furthermore there are Carebears, Smurfs and Bored Apes, but also crypto exchanges like Gemini and Binance.
The Sandbox promises a virtual world where creators earn by selling assets on the marketplace. In addition landowners earn by attracting visitors to their land. Furthermore players earn SAND and other rewards simply by playing the game. All this creates an economy where attention, creativity, dedication and time investment become important resources for a thriving economy.
Amidst the hype about new partnerships, investors set expectations for the native SAND token. In the past year the token’s value went up 1412% to $0.716. Late August the token hit an all-time high of $1.06, before dropping back to current levels amidst an industry-wide sell-off.


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Brad Keywell has left his board position at Groupon, the Chicago e-commerce company he co-founded nearly 10 years ago.
Among several executive moves Groupon announced Wednesday, the company said that Keywell—as well as former Shutterfly CEO Jeff Housenbold—will depart the board. The company also announced that Deborah Wahl, the former president and chief marketing officer at McDonald’s, is joining its board of directors.
“…I’d like to thank Brad and Jeff for their long service. Both have made innumerable contributions to Groupon — Brad as a co-founder and Jeff as an experienced digital executive,” Groupon Chairman Eric Lefkofsky said in a statement. “We wish them the very best and thank them again making Groupon and the Board stronger.”
Keywell is the current CEO and co-founder of Uptake, a fast-growing predictive analytics startup in Chicago. Keywell sent Chicago Inno the following statement when asked for a comment on the move: “I’m proud of where Groupon is headed today. The business is in good hands with its existing board and leadership under the helm of Eric Lefkofsky as Chairman and Rich Williams as CEO.
“Leading Uptake is the primary focus of my time, as our predictive analytics software products continue to demonstrate extraordinary value in asset-intensive industries. We are executing on a playbook that has global impact by allowing major industries to be more reliable, more productive, safer, and more cyber-secure.”
The executive moves come as Groupon reported its third quarter earnings Wednesday, beating Wall Street’s estimates on EPS but missing on revenue. The company reported revenues of $634.5 million, missing by $8.5 million.
However, Groupon’s stock was up over five percent Wednesday afternoon as it saw its gross profit rise. It posted a gross profit of $309.4 million, up six percent from the same quarter last year. Groupon said it is increasing its focus on maximizing gross profit—which may come at the expense of revenue—and it’s raising its gross profit guidance range for the year.


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Another week of 2014 is in the books, and for these three companies trading at 52-week lows, it was a week to forget.
DirectCash Payments Inc. (TSX:DCI)
The largest branded ATM provider in Canada and Australia, and the second largest branded ATM provider in the United Kingdom hit a new 52-week low on March 11 when it fell to $14.41. This is the second major dip the stock has taken over the last year, and this new low just edges out its previous 52-week low of $14.64 on September 18, 2013.
The fall in the stock has less to do with the operations of the company and more to do with the troubles of Cash Store Financial (TSX:CFI), which is currently locked out of the Ontario market. DirectCash Payments provides all ATM services for Cash Store, and it is believed that Cash Store Financial contributes up to 20% of DirectCash’s EBITDA.
Liquor Stores N.A. (TSX:LIQ)
Back for the second time in two months is Liquor Stores N.A., which currently operates 245 retail liquor stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska and Kentucky. The company bottomed out again on March 11 with a new 52-week low of $11.04. Just as before the release of the Liquor Policy Review Report by British Columbia Ministry of Justice, which recommended introducing liquor sales into grocery stores, continues to drive away investors.
Many investors have chosen to take preventative measures to offset their losses now instead of waiting to see how the government’s recommendations play out, as Liquor Stores N.A. currently operates 36 stores in the province. Despite this new low the company will pay out its quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share.
Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc. (TSX:ACC)
This company manages, markets, designs, develops and owns luxury housing and services for older customers in BC, Alberta and Ontario. It hit a new 52-week low on March 10 of $7.31. The company has been posting steadily increasing revenues and an average residency of 94%, but has been having problems converting revenues into income.
Q2 2014 saw a net loss of $4.3 million, which is slightly down from a net loss $4.6 million in Q2 2013. Its year to date numbers aren’t much better with $6.8 million in net losses this year and $8.8 million in net losses during the same period last year. The company has managed to increase its margins in its retirement living segment but is still a far way from posting a profit.
Foolish bottom line
The market is full of highs and lows and savvy investors know when to jump on a good deal. For these companies a week like this could turn into an opportunity for investors, if they can ride out the waves of the market and learn from its missteps.


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Kure Juice Bar debuts in downtown Portland
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Kure Juice Bar opened its newest Portland location.
Kure opened in the former Javaman coffee space near Southwest Sixth and Taylor in the heart of downtown Portland on Wednesday. The store operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, with plans to add Saturday hours in March.
The duo began Kure as a cart but intend to expand it into a restaurant brand.
Wendy Culverwell covers sustainable business, manufacturing and law.
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Stay up-to-date with the latest real estate news from Portland every day.


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Dec 8 2011
OnLive the Cloud gaming company has released their playable OnLive client for iPad and iPhone. OnLive enables its users to avail console-quality games for Macs, PCs, TVs (and now mobile devices) by remotely streaming the game from their central servers. The client device need not be fast enough to render high resolution graphics — instead it simply has to play back what amounts to a video stream of the game, while user controls are sent back to the central server.
For the first time, users can play actual games which earlier can only be played on PC or Macs, on a relatively low power device such as a tablet or smartphone. With Onlive’s just-launched mobile app, DiRT 3, Assasin’s Creed Revelations, L.A. Noire and many more titles can now be played on iPad and soon, the iPhone.
The app itself is free, but users will still need to pay for Onlive games which are available per title or through Onlive’s PlayPack Bundle. The app currently works for the iPad with support for the iPhone coming later.
Also, as games are played on the cloud, users can just about continue playing where they left off on a different device.[via - Techcrunch]


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This isn't exactly what a healthy serving of veggies looks like.
May 21, 2014 Potatoes and tomatoes are nutritious and delicious. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds that Americans tend to consume way too many of them in unhealthy ways, like french fries and pizza.
Hermine Ricketts says she gardens for the food and for the peace it brings her.
December 16, 2013 A woman in Miami Shores, Fla., is suing her town after it forced her to remove vegetables from the garden in her front yard, which she had tended for 17 years. She's being backed by a a national public interest law firm, but the town says it's a long-standing zoning ordinance that won't be overturned.
<iframe src="http://www.npr.org/player/embed/249342738/251662930" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Ramps, or wild leeks, are a member of the lily family and resemble scallions with their wide leaves and small, white bulbs tinged a rusty red.
John Blankenship/The Register-Herald
May 10, 2013 Springtime in Appalachia means ramp festival season. But as ramp festivals and urban ramp vendors attract record numbers of people, scientists warn that the wild populations of the seasonal greens are being forced into decline.
There's new evidence that kids can reduce calories and feel full by snacking on veggies and cheese instead of chips.
December 17, 2012 Children in third through sixth grade consume more calories when snacking on potato chips, and fewer when they snack instead on raw broccoli, peppers, carrots and cheese combinations, according to a recent study. This adds to evidence that foods high in fiber and protein help us feel fuller.
A cup of pumpkin ice cream with chunks of frozen candy cap mushrooms. The candy cap variety is said to have the fragrance of maple syrup.
December 7, 2012 Unafraid of the supposed barrier between sweet and savory, many chefs are incorporating vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and even mushrooms into new dessert recipes. But are they any healthier? Actually, yes, says a nutritionist.
July 26, 2012 Should a healthy human diet be based on the almost-entirely vegetarian habits of ancestral monkeys and apes? Or should we accept that no evolutionary time period is a helpful guide to making good eating choices in today's world?
Heirloom beets served at Bibiana Restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C.
Joseph Silverman/The Washington Times /Landov
December 30, 2011 From chi-chi restaurants to chains like Jamba Juice, beets are appearing on restaurant menus around the country. But one scientist says beets could be even more popular, so he's studying the compound that gives beets their distinctive flavor.
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A farm worker inspects organic kale at the Grant Family Farms in Wellington, Colo.
John Moore/Getty Images
December 7, 2011 This week, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin told the world not to "mess with kale." But it seems kale has been outgunning other dark leafy vegetables for some time now.
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Apple might be working on a new version of its AirPods headphones. Sources told Bloomberg that the new 2018 Airpods may come with a new chip that lets users access Siri via the ‘Hey Siri’ voice command, without the need to tap the headphones. The current AirPods requires users to double-tap the side of the device to bring up Siri. The sources added that the subsequent model might come with improved water resistance. The headphones would be able to survive splashes of water or the rain, but most likely won’t be designed to be submerged under water.
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Calorie information alone might be completely useless on restaurant menus because Americans don’t know how much is too much, according to a new study.
About 63% of 1,024 people couldn’t estimate how many calories per day they should consume to prevent weight gain in the first place, according to a recent online survey funded by the food and beverage industry.
"Nobody knows how many calories they should be eating, nobody knows how many they are eating, and nobody knows how many calories are in foods,” says dietitian and nutrition blogger Dawn Jackson Blatner in a USA Today story about the study. “I would say it's beyond calorie-confused. It's calorie-oblivious," she says.
At the same time, the industry study found that 70% of those surveyed were concerned about their weight, yet 77% don’t do at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week as suggested in government guidelines. Without regular exercise, Americans must rely even more on their diets to stay healthy.
But without knowing how many calories should be consumed per day, no McDonald’s (Stock Quote: MCD) lover could know that a 540-calorie Big Mac, a 500-calorie large order of fries and 310-calorie large Coke (Stock Quote: KO) is too calorie-heavy for a single meal.
And in fact, that McDonald’s meal adds up to nearly a full day’s worth of calories for a sedentary woman aged 51 or older, for example, who should be consuming just 1,600 calories to avoid gaining weight. And that poses a particularly difficult problem for low-income Americans, since fast food is often cheaper and easier to find than fresh produce in poorer areas of the country, as MainStreet previously reported.
With most consumers unaware of how many calories are too many, posting calorie counts fails to arm them with the information they need to make smart menu choices, the industry study argues.


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Founder and chairman of Dell computers Michael Dell passes a screen projection before speaking at a news conference in Sydney August 14, 2006. REUTERS/Will Burgess
T. Rowe Price says it will not support Dell buyout
Posted : Tuesday, 12 February 2013 12:25PM
(Reuters) - Money manager T. Rowe Price Group, one of the largest shareholders of computer maker Dell Inc, said it would not support Dell's leveraged buyout offer.
"We believe the proposed buyout does not reflect the value of Dell, and we do not intend to support the offer as put forward," T. Rowe Chief Investment Officer Brian Rogers said in a statement.
(Reporting by Tim McLaughlin; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp